Tips for home and yard improvements

Home improvement season has arrived. And Bloomington’s Building and Inspections Division would like to offer some tips for homeowners working in their homes or yards this summer.

If you’re working outside, be sure to call 811 before you dig to have utilities marked so that underground utilities, such as gas lines, are not mistakenly hit. For details or to schedule your utilities to be marked, call 800-252-1166 or visit call811.com. 

If working with a contractor, outdoors or indoors, make sure they are licensed with the Department of Labor and Industry. Unlicensed contractors can result in safety issues and errors. You can check on licenses at secure.doli.state.mn.us.

Insurance companies may require proof of permitting and inspection to cover home remodels and upgrades as well as damage to remodeled homes. To check if a permit is required, call 952-563-8930 or email Inspections@BloomingtonMN.gov before starting the work.